Atlanta to Perdido Key, Florida: a unique weekend get-away

If you're looking for a different type of beach weekend getaway from Atlanta, you may want to consider Perdido Key, Florida. This gorgeous key isn't located in the famous Florida Keys, but instead is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the area between Pensacola, Florida and Orange Beach, Alabama.

Perdido Key, Florida is an unincorporated community located in Escambia County. "Perdido" means "lost" in the Spanish language, and Perdido Key is sometimes called "Lost Key" by local residents and businesses.The community is located on a barrier island located in extreme northwest Florida and southeast Alabama. The Florida district of the Gulf Islands National Seashore is located at the east end of the island. No more than a few hundred yards wide in most places, Perdido Key stretches some 16 miles (26 km) from Perdido Pass Bridge near Orange Beach, Alabama, to just across from Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola, Florida.

From Atlanta, it's a 5 and a half hour drive to Perdido Key, and the scenery at this beach will amaze and wow you! The wide, white sand beaches are as pretty as any in Florida, due to the natural dunes and sugar white sand. The azure water is fronted by 'primary" dunes that are vegetated with grasses including sea oats, bunch grass, and beach grass. Among other plant species growing in primary dunes are Florida rosemary, railroad vine and beach morning glories. “Secondary” dunes, further inland, support saw palmetto, slash and sand pines. This combination of dunes and vegetation makes the ocean and inter-coastal waterway views an artistic and breathtaking sight!

There are a variety of excellent condominiums and beach house rentals to choose from on this key. It's a great place for families, groups of friends or couples. You can find ample things to do: watersports, hiking, golf and tennis, etc. in the area.

I love Perdido Key, because you have amazing views in each direction. The condominium balconies face the ocean. Since the key is so narrow, from the front of your unit, you can also see the intercoastal waterway, the wild sand dunes and Ono Island across the water. The sunsets over the intercoastal waterway can be spectacular. As far as scenery goes... It doesn't get much better than that!

Where to dine? There is fantastic seafood in the Perdido Key area and I'll list a few favorites: Cosmos,The Oyster Bar (with a great Marina/intercoastal waterway view) or if you want excellent pizza delivered to your condo- try the famous Lillians Pizza! For excellent live music and night-time entertainment, a Must -Do is to visit the legendary Florabama Lounge located on the key.

For more information on what to do, where to eat and where to stay in this area, you can check out my other articles on Gulf, Shores Alabama and Orange Beach Alabama!

Gaye Hyland has spent 25 years finding "offbeat" travel. Rather than touristy trips, she creates vacations with secret beaches, unique activities and cool, local hangouts. Gaye's recommendations are easy to plan and often bargain priced. E-mail her at: gaye.hyland@gmail.com.